Page 2 - KZN Business Sense 7.1

STATE OF THE NATION COMMENT

Mr Nigel Ward, President of the Durban there is an urgent need to reform operational collapse, suffering Port of Durban. Timelines on
Chamber of Commerce and Industry and diversify South Africa’s energy from chronic mismanagement, resolution are key in this regard.
sector. We are pleased by President plagued by ongoing corruption and Furthermore, the decision to
he Durban Chamber of Ramaphosa’s announcement that characterised by a complete lack of relocate Transnet Head Office to
Commerce and Industry government will action crucial steps adherence to effective governance the Eastern Cape does not appear
Tcommends the Government that will enable to revive Eskom. and compliance frameworks. This to support the President’s remarks. KWAZULU-NATAL BUSINESS
for its unwavering focus on the However, we are concerned about is severely impacting the country’s We believe that a more rigorous CHAMBERS COUNCIL :
preservation of lives as a primary the forecasted electricity supply economy and investment profile and transparent approach should
objective in the ongoing pandemic shortfall over the next 5 years which as well as negatively affecting our have been employed to identify the Chairperson: Judith Nzimande
context. will be detrimental to the economy country’s growth and development ideal location for Transnet’s new Secretariat: Lihle Msweli
and energy-dependent businesses. prospects. We are encouraged T: +27 (0)35 797 1807
The Durban Chamber of The business community anxiously to note that government will Head Office, informed by a sound
Commerce and Industry would like awaits government’s timeline be implementing a centralised assessment of where each city’s M: +27 (0)83 571 0486
to highlight the following issues: for the implementation of the SOE model which will ensure a relative competitive advantages lie. Address: ZCBF Community Park,
promised initiatives and plans, standardised governance, financial We are dismayed to learn that the Gate 5, Business Community
Infrastructure including proposals on how management and operational container terminal is now to be Building 1st Floor, Guldengracht
The Durban Chamber of organised business can support the performance framework for all moved to Nqura port, which opens Street, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-
Commerce and Industry applauds government to action these plans. SOEs and look forward to receiving up great risk for KZN’s investment Natal, South Africa
the President on committing progress reports concerning the profile. Email: LMsweli@kbcc.co.za
resource towards the N3 highway. SOEs effectiveness of this approach. Website: www.kznchamber.co.za
The KZN economy is extremely State-owned enterprises (SOEs) Corruption
reliant on the logistics sector, with hold a significant position in South Port of Durban The Durban Chamber
the N3 corridor being a major trade Africa’s economy, playing a leading The Durban Chamber of acknowledges the President’s severe consequences for their acts
route connecting our two harbours role in several crucial sectors such Commerce and Industry notes the comments on tackling the issue of of economic sabotage, then there
to the SADC region. It is our hope as utilities (electricity and water), President’s remarks to reposition corruption. Corruption and state will be no real change in the
that the transportation and logistics transport (air, rail, freight, and Durban as a hub port for the capture are a serious economic status quo. 
sector will thrive with the new pipelines) and telecommunications. southern hemisphere. Whilst this crime in South Africa that
upgrades. However, despite being vital to sounds promising, we believe there significantly exacerbates our socio- Contact the Durban Chamber on:
our national socio-economic is an urgent need to attend to port economic challenges. However, T: +27 (0)31 335 1000
Eskom agenda, South Africa’s SOEs security, operational inefficiencies until the criminals involved in E: info@durbanchamber.co.za
The Durban Chamber believes are in a state of financial and and the competitiveness of the state capture and corruption suffer W: www.durbanchamber.co.za

MOU TO PROMOTE TRADE

WITH PAKISTAN

Minara Chamber of Commerce companies and chambers thus The Commercial Secretary from
encouraging international trade. the Trade Commission of Pakistan
he Memorandum of RCCI also invited the MCC, appreciated the efforts made by
Understanding between to visit Pakistan for an Expo the both chambers of commerce to
Tthe Minara Chamber of organised by RCCI scheduled sign the agreement and facilitate
Commerce (MCC), South Africa from 31 March 2021 to 5 April trade between the two countries.
and the Rawalpindi Chamber of 2021. The ceremony closed with SMALL BUSINESS SCAM
Commerce and Industry (RCCI), Mr Asgar Mahomed, Deputy commitments from both sides
Pakistan was signed Vice-President MCC informed to facilitate and enhance trade ALERT
on 10 November 2020.
on the occasion that MCC make relations between the members of
Mr Osman Ashraf, senior efforts to promote businesses based Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce
vice president of RCCI, while on Islamic values in South Africa. and Industry and Minara Chamber he Department of Small are on its official websites,” the
addressing the chamber The Chamber also expressed of Commerce.  Business Development department said.
representatives at the occasion, interest in facilitating trade T(DSBD) has warned small, The department has advised the
echoed their commitment to delegations from Pakistan in order Tel: +27 (0)31 208 1898 medium and micro enterprises small business sector not to utilise
help local businesses in Pakistan to strengthen trade ties with the E: kzn@minara.org.za / gtn@minara.org.za (SMMEs) and co-operatives social media platforms to accept
to connect with international Pakistani business community. W: www.minara.org.za against sending proposals and any applications.
paying administration fees for
the preapproval of funds to Access to services for SMMEs
agencies. and Co-operatives is free.
Any SMME or Co-operative
The department said who receives such a request must
cybercriminals use national immediately report the incident to
crises and emergencies such as our DSBD Hotline 086 677 7867 or
the current COVID-19 pandemic send an e-mail to info@dsbd.gov.za
to prey on unsuspecting victims.
Valid information on the sector
“Their modus operandi includes can be found on www.dsbd.gov.za;
identity theft and pretending, www.sefa.org.za; www.seda.org.za;
through fake emails, to be www.mybindu.org.za
representatives of government
departments and agencies. SMMEs and Co-operatives
are encouraged to register their
The department wishes to businesses on www.smmesa.gov.
remind the public that all za and funding applications can be
Executive Directors of the Minara Chamber of Commerce and Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce signed a MOU to
promote trade relations between South Africa and Pakistan, which was facilitated by the Embassy of Pakistan, Pretoria. funding application processes done at www.eservices.gov.za. 

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